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Fresno Investor Admits Guilt in $9.1 Million Fraud Case
Matthew Campbell pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a real estate Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of over $9 million.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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A 43-year-old Fresno man named Matthew Campbell has pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges related to a $9.1 million real estate investment Ponzi scheme that he operated through his two companies, Preferred Property LLC and Ampez Rehab Investments LLC. Campbell admitted to making false representations about his companies' finances and investment returns in order to attract new investors, then using those funds to pay returns to earlier investors instead of for legitimate business purposes.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing problem of real estate investment fraud, which can have devastating impacts on individual investors as well as broader community trust in financial markets. Ponzi schemes like this one often target vulnerable populations and can wipe out life savings, underscoring the importance of thorough due diligence when making investment decisions.
The details
According to court documents, Campbell began operating the Ponzi scheme in 2018, using his real estate investment companies to solicit over $9.1 million from investors with false promises of high returns. Instead of using the funds for legitimate business purposes, he used new investor money to pay returns to earlier investors in order to perpetuate the scheme. Prosecutors say at least $2.293 million in new investor funds were used this way.
- Campbell has operated the two real estate investment companies since 2012.
- The Ponzi scheme began in January 2018 and continued until October 2025.
- Campbell pleaded guilty to the wire fraud charges on February 9, 2026.
The players
Matthew Campbell
A 43-year-old Fresno man who pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges related to a $9.1 million real estate investment Ponzi scheme that he operated through his companies Preferred Property LLC and Ampez Rehab Investments LLC.
Eric Grant
The U.S. Attorney who announced Campbell's guilty plea.
Jennifer L. Thurston
The U.S. District Judge who will sentence Campbell on May 11.
What they’re saying
“This case highlights the ongoing problem of real estate investment fraud, which can have devastating impacts on individual investors as well as broader community trust in financial markets.”
— Eric Grant, U.S. Attorney (gvwire.com)
What’s next
Campbell is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on May 11, 2026. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The takeaway
This Ponzi scheme targeting real estate investors in Fresno serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of thoroughly vetting any investment opportunity, no matter how promising it may seem. Investors must be vigilant in scrutinizing financial claims and representations to avoid falling victim to fraud that can devastate individual lives and undermine community trust in the markets.
